Chief executive Julien Boast described the funding boost as a “significant milestone” in realising the organisation’s ambitions to grow and develop. He added: “This is incredibly exciting news as we believe the people of Truro and Cornwall deserve access to the very best performing arts, to rival any city in the country.”

Hall for Cornwall must raise £18.3 million to complete the project, which it is hoped will be funded through both public and private grants. It is expected that work will not get underway until mid to late 2017, with construction taking 18 months.

ACE’s South West area director, Phil Gibby, said Hall for Cornwall played “an increasingly important role in the region” and would benefit from the redevelopment by becoming “more accessible, more resilient and more sustainable”.

It is thought that the theatre will also change its name as part of the process.